Key Takeaways
- CyanBuild's AI reads hvac plans and duct run takeoff automatically.
- Price with your local $50-90/hr rates — no spreadsheet.
- Typical HVAC costs: $15-30/LF/ductwork installed, $80-200/EA/diffuser, $6,000-18,000/EA/rtu.
- Visual proof per item means a defensible, reviewable estimate.
How CyanBuild handles HVAC takeoff
HVAC takeoff covers ductwork, diffusers, equipment, controls, refrigerant lines, and insulation from mechanical plans and schedules. CyanBuild detects and counts duct run takeoff and other hvac elements from your PDF, measures areas and runs, and lets you price each line with local rates.
HVAC cost reference
| Item | Typical range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Ductwork installed | $15-30/LF | |
| Diffuser | $80-200/EA | |
| RTU | $6,000-18,000/EA |
Common HVAC tasks
- Duct run takeoff
- Equipment schedule
- Diffuser and grille counts
- Controls
Materials CyanBuild tracks for HVAC
- Ductwork (supply/return)
- Diffusers and grilles
- Air handlers
- Condensers
- Controls and thermostats
- Refrigerant lines
HVAC takeoff: manual vs CyanBuild
| Capability | Manual takeoff | CyanBuild AI |
|---|---|---|
| Duct run takeoff | Count/measure by hand | Detected and counted |
| Pricing with your rates | Spreadsheet | Built in |
| Cross-trade rollup | Separate files | One estimate |
| Audit trail | Paper or PDF | Visual proof per item |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does CyanBuild handle HVAC takeoff?
Upload your HVAC plans as PDF. CyanBuild's AI detects and counts duct run takeoff and other hvac elements, measures areas and runs, and hands you a reviewable takeoff you can price with your local $50-90/hr rates.
What does HVAC work cost?
Typical HVAC ranges: $15-30/LF for ductwork installed; $80-200/EA for diffuser; $6,000-18,000/EA for rtu. Labor runs about $50-90/hr (mechanics).
What materials are included in a HVAC takeoff?
Common HVAC materials: Ductwork (supply/return), Diffusers and grilles, Air handlers, Condensers, Controls and thermostats, Refrigerant lines.
Can CyanBuild estimate HVAC labor and materials separately?
Yes. HVAC takeoff separates material quantities from labor hours so you can price each with your own rates and review the build-up line by line.
Is there HVAC-specific estimating software?
Yes — see our HVAC estimating software page for the estimating workflow, and the how-to-estimate guide for a step-by-step HVAC cost build-up.